Variable electrostimulative behavior modification

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the disclosure provide for variable electrostimulative behavior modification. A method for variable electrostimulative behavior modification includes sensing placement of a first anatomical portion of a body in contact to a surface of a target object adapted for behavior modification with a multiplicity of electrostimulative end points coupled to an energy source. The method additionally includes delivering an electrical neurostimulus through one of the end points nearest to the placement of the first anatomical portion in proximity to the surface the electrical neurostimulus including a waveform promoting a modification of behavior associated with the placement of the first anatomical portion in proximity to the surface. Thereafter, an anomalous characteristic of the sensed placement indicating a failure to modify the behavior may be detected and a profile of the waveform of the electrical neurostimulus changes to a different waveform in response to the anomalous characteristic of the sensed placement.

REFERENCES TO THE RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

The present application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional ApplicationNos. 62/963,107 and 62/963,110, both filed on Jan. 19, 2020.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of electrified objects andmore particularly the use of neural stimuli to modify mammalianbehavior.

BACKGROUND

Behavior modification refers to modification of behavior of a mammalincluding a human being. Behavior change (or modification) may berealized in different forms, for example it may be used to aide in theformation of new habits or repeated behaviors (either avoided orinduced), alternatively behavior change may be simply for guidance intoor away for an action, activity or such at a moment in time. In this waythe concept of behavior change is inclusive of habit cessation, habitformation, or action guidance.

Positive reinforcement is a technique for promoting behaviormodification. Yet, every subject varies for whom behavior modificationis sought and the context of the required behavior modification variesfrom circumstance to circumstance such that in some instances, positivereinforcement is more likely to evoke a desired modification tobehavior, whereas for another subject, perhaps a minimal application ofnegative reinforcement is required, whereas in yet other instances, amaximal application of negative reinforcement is required, but in allcircumstances, the correct selection of positive or negativereinforcement and the magnitude, e.g. the size of such reinforcementmust account for the well-being of the target subject which must remainof paramount importance.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure address deficiencies of the artwith respect to behavior modification and provide a novel andnon-obvious method, system and computer program product for variableneurostimulative excitation to elicit behavior modification. The scienceof neurostimulation may include auditory, optical, electrical,olfactory, gustatory, alone or in any combination thereof. One aspect ofthe present disclosure focuses on electrical neurostimulation, but it isknown that the techniques taught herein may be applied to one or moretypes of neurostimulation, alone or in combination. The combination ofneurostimulation can be delivered in serial or parallel.

The applications of this concept for behavior modification are farreaching, for example, the behavior modification system taught hereincould be applied in the applications described below.

First, in a law enforcement scenario, for example, it may adjust theneurostimulation wavesform response based on the resistance of adetained subject. For example, the stimulation may be incorporated intoa pair of shackles, hand-cuffs, issued clothing, law enforcementvehicles (e.g. barriers and cages), which sense, through motion passiveor aggressive behavior and deliver the appropriate type ofneurostimulation to correct, guide or change the behavior of thedetainee. Furthermore, the neurostimulation response can be triggeredfrom users or a group of users, such that in a prison, if the prisonerswere motivated to have an uprising, any prisoner wearing a pair ofshackles, hand-cuffs, issued clothing, law enforcement vehicles (e.g.barriers and cages), and who would be in proximity to theneurostimulation would also be affected to modify their behavior.

Second, in an application of theft or unwanted physical movement ormotion of a target object, for example, the neurostimulation may changeits variable neurostimulus waveforms response current (amperes) andcompliance voltage based on proximity or distance to a location, homestation, charging station, room, door or other demarcation point.

Another application, for example, is controlling access to food. In thisregard, it is well known that intermittent fasting can help one loseweight, improve health and perhaps even live longer. But restrainingoneself from accessing food at a particular time of the day or for anextended period is very challenging. One method of enabling compliance,is to include an electronic barrier to deter the user attempting to gainaccess to an area or container containing the food, either throughvariable neurostimulative or in combination with other deterrents suchas acoustic and or optical.

The present disclosure is not limited to the above three examples. Forexample, the method, system and computer program described herein mayapply to many other markets or domains such as animal control, crowdcontrol, home or building security, teaching, learning to play music,enhancing the movement of a golf swing, improving running, detouringaccess to controlled substances etc.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method forvariable electrostimulative behavior modification includes a learningsystem with a sensing placement of a first anatomical portion of a bodyof a target subject in proximity to a surface of an object that has beenadapted to induce behavior modification with a multiplicity ofelectrostimulative end points coupled to an energy source. An energysource is a source of stored or controlled energy which is thendelivered to the electrostimulative end points as a combination ofwaveshape, current (amperes) and compliance voltage.

Note that the terms waveshape and waveform are herein used to signify,encompass, and describe all aspects of a time varying stimulus. Thisincludes, but is not limited to: the shape of the wave pulse (such asbut not limited to sinusoidal, square, triangle, sawtooth); intensitychanges to the signal during a single pulse, including but not limitedto attack or rise time, decay, sustain, or release time; the amplitudeof the wave; the duration of one period or pulse of the wave (this isalso known as the pulse width); the duration of any period of non-signalbetween pulses; the number of pulses; the temporal attributes of aseries of pulses, including but not limited to the frequency of pulses;ratio of “on” versus “off” portions of the stimulus (also known as dutycycle); overall duration of stimulus presentation; and any other simpleor complex attributes of a periodic stimulus. Thus, changing thewaveform may, for example, involve lengthening the pulse width while,for example, maintaining the pulse repetition frequency, which wouldresult in increasing the duty cycle. Any combination of changes to anyset of attributes may result in different stimuli; as indicated, any orall of these changes are herein referred to as changes to the waveformor waveshape.

The method may include delivering an electrical neurostimulus, which canbe delivered to induce a pleasant sensation (positive reinforcement) oran unpleasant sensation (negative reinforcement) through theelectrostimulative end points closest to the sensed proximity so as toprovide a desired electrostimulative sensation upon the target subject.Thereafter, an anomalous characteristic of the sensed placement may bedetected and learned by the system, the anomalous characteristicindicating an inadequacy of the delivered electrical neurostimulus inachieving the desired behavior modification as otherwise had beenexpected in consequence of the delivery of the electrical neurostimulus.In response, a profile of the waveform of the electrical neurostimuluschanges to produce a different, electrical neurostimulus to the targetsubject is either enhanced or decreased. In this way, the minimalpositive or negative reinforcement is applied to the target subjectinitially, but a more intensive reinforcement signal may subsequently beapplied to the extent that it is determined the more intensivereinforcement is required in order to promote the desired behaviormodification or conversely a less intensive reinforcement signal may besubsequently applied to the extent that it is determined a lessintensive reinforcement is required to promote the desired behaviormodification This ensures the absolute non-adverse health risk given thelimit on current and duration of current delivery coupled with thecounterbalancing delivery of energy, and the absolute safest delivery ofneurostimulus to the target subject while still eliciting the intendedbehavior modification.

According to one aspect of this embodiment, a threshold measurement isderived at a location of the placement of the first anatomical portionthe surface of the object, for instance a force applied by the placementof the anatomical portion, the orientation of the placement of theanatomical or physical portion, or a duration of time during which theanatomical or physical portion remains proximate to the location.Alternatively, another characteristic, a threshold measurement ofmoisture of the first anatomical portion.

According to another aspect of this embodiment, a separately sensedproximity between a second anatomical portion of the body of the targetsubject and a location of the surface of the object is determined.

Alternatively, another characteristic, a threshold measurement ofgalvanic skin response (e.g., a change in the electrical resistance ofthe skin caused by emotional stress, measurable with a sensitivegalvanometer, such as in lie-detector tests) of the first anatomicalportion is used to sense the location, resistance of the sensed locationand the waveform of neurostimulus to be delivered.

According to another aspect of this embodiment, the electricalneurostimulus can be delivered without the user making physical ordirect contact with a pair of electrodes. Once the proximity of the userhas been detected, the electrical neurostimulus signal can be propagatedusing a high voltage discharge system capable of crossing a spark gapenabled by a Tesla coil. Tesla coils can produce output voltages from 50Kilovolts of volts. The alternating current output is in the rangetypically between 50 kHz and 1 MHz.

According to another aspect of this embodiment, the changed profile is achange in frequency of the electrical neurostimulus. Alternatively, thechanged profile is a change in the amplitude of the electricalneurostimulus. As yet a further alternative, the changed profile is achange in the waveform of the electrical neurostimulus. As yet a furtheralternative, the changed profile is a change in current or it may be achange in energy. In fact, any combination of the foregoing may alsoaccount for the changed profile.

The primary motivating feature of the electrical neurostimulus is thedelivery of electrical charge (e.g., current) from theelectrostimulative surface to the anatomical portion of the subject ofbehavioral modification. The appropriate unit of measure of deliveredcharge (e.g., current) is Amperes (or milliAmperes, mA). The voltage ofthe electrical stimulation will need to be sufficient to enable thetransit of electrical charge, and will need to vary in order to maintaina constant current. As indicated in Ohms law,voltage=current*resistance. Consider, for example, a desired behavioralexperience (or perhaps a maximum safe current) occurs with the deliveryof a current of 5 mA or 0.005 A. In the case of bare human skincontacting an electrostimulative surface, the impedance to theelectrical stimulus presented by said human skin varies betweenapproximately 2,000 and 50,000 Ohms (though this varies considerably,depending on skin hydration, oils, location on the body, and thepresence of calluses, etc.). The exact momentary impedance of ananatomical portion also varies with current, and with time, thus it isimperative to specify the delivery of charge in term of constantcurrent, and consequently to continually modify the voltage of thesignal in order to compensate for momentary variations in the totalimpedance of the anatomical portion, the coupling or contact with thesurface, and other environmental variables. In the example case of barehuman skin contacting an electrostimulative surface, the voltage willtypically need to vary from 10 V to 200 V to keep the current constantat the prescribed 5 mA. Typically, a system with a maximum, or“compliance,” voltage of approximately 100 or 200 Volts is sufficient tosupport the flow of charge necessary for behavior modification in thiscircumstance.

A system intended to deliver a constant current (amperage) needs toadjust the voltage (up to the compliance voltage), over the course ofthe anatomical portion's contact with the surface. The voltage may alsoneed to be adjusted to compensate for different intervening dielectricmaterials between the anatomical portion and the surface of theelectrode. For example, a much higher voltage may be required if thereis any electrical obstruction, such as oil, dirt, or even the materialof a glove, between the anatomical portion and the electrostimulativesurface. Higher voltages (even as high as 75,000 V) could be used todeliver current through insulators like oil or gloves, particularly whencoupled with higher-frequency (e.g., 200 kHz) stimuli.

The system may include an authentication electronics for determiningwhether the user is authorized for access to the object or space andcountermeasure disabling electronics for disabling countermeasureelectronics, such as energy source configured to deliver electricalneurostimulus to at least one of a plurality of electrostimulus endpoints on the object, when the user is authenticated for access to theobject or space.

According to one embodiment, the authentication electronics can beincorporated in the sensor configured to detect placement of a firstanatomical portion of a body in proximity to a surface of the object.The authentication electronics can also include a biometric interfaceused to authenticate the user and provide access to the object or spacewithout delivering an electrical neurostimulus to the user. Thebiometric interface can take the form of voice recognition, facialrecognition, iris recognition, fingerprint recognition, ear printrecognition, gait and cadence recognition, ECG ID recognition, or otherforms of biometric identifiers including subcutaneous identifiers knownas vein detection.

The authentication electronics may communicate with an authenticationengine that may be part of a controller for the system. Theauthentication may be configured to acquire and store information. e.g.,palm print, fingerprint and geometry, every time a user attempts to gainaccess to the object. Thus, the system is configured to preserveauthorized and non-authorized user attempts. During setup or other, thesystem learns the authorized users vein patterns, hand geometry, etc.

In use, the system, for example, can transmit all actions encountered bythe authentication engine, such that an administrator of the system canreceive live time coded information (e.g., video feeds, pictures, etc.).The information can be preserved locally or in the cloud, for forensicapplications.

According to another embodiment, a data processing system is adapted forvariable electrostimulation to induce behavior modification. The systemincludes an object, a power source, an energy source, a sensoroperatively coupled to the object and sensing placement of a firstanatomical portion of a body or anatomical portion of a target subjectin proximity to a surface of the object and a multiplicity ofelectrostimulative end points coupled to the power source and affixed tothe surface of the object. The system further includes a controllercoupled to the sensor and end points. The controller includes aprocessor, memory and computer program instructions stored in thememory. In one embodiment the instructions are enabled upon execution bythe processor to deliver electrical neurostimulus through one of the endpoints nearest to a location of the sensed placement, detect acharacteristic of the sensed placement, and respond to thecharacteristic by changing a profile of the electrical neurostimulus.

According to one aspect of this embodiment, the instructions learn anoptimal profile over time for each target subject by first identifyingthe subject, either biometrically or by external identification meanssuch as but not limited to identification badge, by way of imagerecognition, feature detection, voice recognition, iris recognition,chemical analysis, DNA analysis, motion analysis, weight and height,gait analysis, and the like. Thereafter, the nature of the change inprofile of the electrical neurostimulus applied to the target subject isrecorded in connection with the target subject. Subsequently, uponidentifying the target subject, the same change in the profile of theelectrical neurostimulus may be applied to the target subject at theoutset upon sensing the placement in order to ensure that repeatable andconsistent behaviors are performed to achieve the desired behavioralmodification outcome.

According to another aspect of this embodiment, the instructions areenabled to discontinue the delivery of the electrical neurostimulusthrough one of the end points subsequent to determining a removal of thefirst anatomical portion from the proximity of the surface.

According to another embodiment, the profile may determine the leadingdirection of the simulation, either anodic or cathodic, in order tocreate a distal or proximal sensation relative to the target endpoint.These directional sensations can be used to provide guidance for theuser. In one example, the neurostimulus is embedded into the wearabledevice which is used for a enhancing a golf swing. The user is presentedwith neurostimulus to specific locations across their anatomy as well asanodic to cathodic or cathodic to anodic to produce directional cues forthe users of the wearable. This information can be shared with othersremotely to monitor conditioning and to measure improvement in theswing.

Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description whichfollows, and in part may be derived from the description, or may belearned by practice. The aspects will be realized and attained by meansof the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in theappended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing generaldescription and the following detailed description are exemplary andexplanatory only and are not restrictive of the disclosure, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings illustrate examples of various components ofembodiments of the disclosure described herein and are for illustrativepurposes only. Embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated byway of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanyingdrawings, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a process for variable electrostimulative behaviormodification, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic of a data processing system adapted forvariable electrostimulative behavior modification, according to oneembodiment; and

FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart showing a process for variableelectrostimulative behavior modification, according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the disclosure are described that provide for variableelectrostimulative behavior modification. In accordance with oneembodiment of the disclosure, a proximity of a portion of the anatomy ofa target subject is sensed in connection with a surface of a targetobject. The sensing of the proximity of the anatomical portion may beaccomplished by several means including, but not limited to, ultrasonic,optical, acoustical, image recognition, biometric, radiofrequency,magnetic, chemical, altimeter, thermal, humidity, light, SPL (level)keyword, inductive, capacitive, resistive, inertial measurement unit,movement, rotation, force (for example by means of a strain gauge) orthe sensing of current flowing in the system. Upon sensing the proximityof an anatomical portion with the surface, a location on the surfaceproximate to the anatomical portion is determined. Then, an electricalneurostimulus is generated in accordance with an initial waveformprofile of specific current, energy, amplitude and frequency, anddelivered to an electrode end point at the location or other locationprescribed.

In one aspect of the embodiment, a sensing system is configured todetermine the direction and speed of the approaching of the targetsubject. These data points can be used to determine the overall intentof the target subject intentions. An image recognition system can beadded to identify and verify the target subjects' identity. Using thesubject intentions, the system will generate an electrostimulativesignal delivered by direct contact or by non-direct contact in responseto the subject's intentions, identity or a combination of both. Theenhancement of the predictive threat analysis and waveform generationfrom such will be optimized.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the neurostimulus continues to bedelivered through the electrode end point until such time as theproximity is no longer sensed. However, during the delivery of theneurostimulus, if a characteristic of the proximity is detected such asa threshold duration of time during which the proximity is maintained, athreshold impedance measured at the location, a threshold resistancemeasured at the location, a threshold capacitance measured at thelocation, a threshold force applied by the anatomical portion at thelocation, a threshold measurement of moisture of the anatomical portion,or the placement of a second anatomical portion of the anatomy inproximity to a different location upon the surface, then theneurostimulus is generated in conformance with a different waveform anddelivered near the anatomical portion or to a set of defined end pointsnot in the proximity of the sensed are so as to intensify or reduce theneurostimulation in an attempt to discourage or encourage the targetsubject from continuing to maintain the anatomical portion in proximityto the target object or otherwise guide the subject's actions anddirection based of the waveform.

Examples of guidance provided to a target user includes directing a userin or out of a room, or directing a user to move away from an object orto return towards a position from which the user had previouslytraveled. Another example can include a change in a golf swing, baseballswing, or a tennis swing.

Another example can include the playing of specific keys on a musicalinstrument like a piano while not playing other specific keys of themusical instrument. In respect to the latter example, an electrostimulusis applied to a key selected not to be played so that if the key isplayed, or attempted to be played, the end user may be discouraged fromdoing so.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a process for variableelectrostimulative behavior modification. As shown in FIG. 1, an arrayof electrostimulative end points 130 are placed on or in a surface 140of target object 105, e.g., container, input device, door knob orhandle, handcuffs, a safe or vault, or any other type of target object.Each of the electrostimulative end points 130 can be separated from oneanother by a distance determined by a combination of the dielectricbreakdown voltage of the substrate material, the average dielectricbreaks down voltage of air, the operating compliance voltage and thetarget charge density to ensure the desired effect of the stimuluswaveform. In no cases are the end points to be placed so closelytogether such that dielectric breakdown occurs between them, and thespacing between the electrostimulative end points 130 may differ forsome of the electrostimulative end points 130. In one aspect of theembodiment the spacing is no less than 2 mm which ensures that uponcontacting a portion of the anatomy 110, the current of a deliveredelectrical neurostimulus 180 cannot flow so deeply into the anatomy ofthe target subject so as to activate unwanted structures such as motornerves. Other spacing parameters could be utilized that do not departfrom this design objective.

The electrostimulative endpoints 130 can include cathode 170A and anode170C separated by an insulator 170B by at least one millimeter (1.0 mm).In one embodiment, the 1.0 mm separation of anode 170C from cathode 170Aensures that an electric field created in the portion of the anatomy 110proximate to an associated pair of the electrostimulative end points 130will be deep enough into the portion of the anatomy so as to effectivelystimulate mechanoreceptors typically laying 1.0 mm to 3.0 mm from theskin surface while avoiding stimulating smaller nociceptors that laysuperficial to the mechanoreceptors. Other separation parameters couldbe utilized that do not depart from this design objective.

In another aspect of the embodiment, the compliance voltage is adjustedas to deliver the electrical neurostimulus 180 by ensuring that thedistance of breakdown occurs at the desired proximity distance and theaverage dielectric breakdown voltage of air (or glove material orclothing). This may include adjustment of the compliance voltage bymeasuring real-time environmental conditions such as current weather,humidity, temperature, gas levels, alone or in combination. Knownmeasuring techniques can be utilized. This provides a means to deliverthe desired stimulation waveform without necessitating physical skincontact with the end point that is adjusted to match the possibleintervening environmental conditions.

As shown in FIG. 1, battery 120 (as an energy source) powers each of thepairs of electrostimulative end points 130 in so far as variableelectrostimulation logic 100 is adapted to generate an electricalneurostimulus 180 of alternating current (AC) having a specific profilein terms of voltage, current, energy, frequency and shape, and toselectively deliver the current or energy of the generated electricalneurostimulus 180 to the electrostimulative end points 130. In oneaspect of the embodiment, the electrical neurostimulus 180 includes acurrent of no greater than one-hundred milliamperes (100 mA) for aperiod of energy delivery of no greater than one and one-half seconds(1.5 s) so as to provide for a maximum energy delivery of one-half Joulebut should not exceed five Joules for humans, but can vary based on thetype and mass of mammalian. The apparatus (system) and method disclosedconsiders increasing the overall level of Joules required for thespecific use case such as electrical fence used to contain animal(s).The level of energy required to safely modify the behavior of a cow, abull, a horse, etc. would cause fatality to a human.

In one embodiment for human application, the electrical neurostimulus180 is a 5 mA signal of two-tenths seconds (0.2 s) duration providingfor twenty-five (25) pulses per second may serve as the maximum waveformthat would be delivered. Other parameters could be utilized that do notdepart from this design objective. Other energy sources, such as ACpower may be used in addition to or instead of as a battery to power theelectrostimulative end points 130.

Such a system could be implemented in numerous ways. For example, a highvoltage generator circuit including, for example, LT 3420 PhotoflashCapacitor Charger with Automatic Refresh or similar.

In one aspect of the embodiment, touch sensor 150 is disposed upon thesurface 140 of the target object 105. The touch sensor 150 is configuredto detect a proximity or contact to the surface 140 of the portion ofthe anatomy 110 of the target subject, such as a fingertip of a fingerof a human hand, a digit of a mammal, a paw, a toe, a foot, a leg, anarm, a neck, an appendage, an entire hand or other anatomical regions ofinterest. Contrary to its naming convention, the touch sensor 150 doesnot require direct contact, e.g., with an anatomical region. A touchsensor 150 can detect movement of the anatomical region. In this regard,the touch sensor 150 can be a capacitive touch screen, or an opticaltouch screen, as well as ultrasonic, optical, acoustical, imagerecognition, biometric, RF, magnetic, chemical, altimeter, thermal,humidity, light, SPL (level) keyword, inductive, capacitive, resistive,inertial measurement unit, force (for example by means of a straingauge) or the sensing of current flowing in the system or from humanoversight, all adapted to detect a proximity or contact of a touch uponthe surface 140 and to locate upon the surface 140 a position of theproximity or contact location. Finally, variable electrostimulationlogic 100 responds to the touch sensor 150 by selectively controllingdelivery of the electrical neurostimulus 180 to the electrostimulativeend points 130 closest to the location reported by the touch sensor 150or to an adjacent and specific predefined area.

Of note, the variable electrostimulation logic 100 responds to ananomalous characteristic of the proximity of the touch by changing aprofile 190A of the electrical neurostimulus 180 to a different profile190B. Optionally, the variable electrostimulation logic 100 responds toa determination by the touch sensor 150 that no further proximity to thesurface 140 remains by discontinuing (or delivering for positivesensation) delivery of the electrical neurostimulus 180 to the one ofthe electrostimulative end points 130.

This can be accomplished, for example, by using a galvanic skin responseamplifier circuit, skin impedance amplifier circuit, or other similarmeans or combinations thereof. This type of monitoring or detection canbe used for various embodiments discussed herein.

As another option, upon detecting by the touch sensor 150 multipledifferent portions of the anatomy 110 coming into proximity or contactwith the surface 140, subsequent to the detection by the touch sensor150 of the initial proximity or contact to the surface 140 of theportion of the anatomy 110 of the target subject, the delivery of theelectrical neurostimulus 180 is disabled at all electrostimulative endpoints 130.

When the touch sensor 150 senses an initial proximity to the surface 140of the target object 105 at a specified location of the portion of theanatomy 110 of the target subject, the variable electrostimulation logic100 selects an initial waveform profile 190A for the electricalneurostimulus 180. The initial waveform profile 190A may be fixed or, inthe alternative, variably selectable according to rules 160, each of therules 160 correlating a particular characteristic of the proximatecontact with a particular waveform profile, or based on previouslysaved, or learned and adapted profile. For example, the rules could bepreviously defined and stored in a lookup table. Each waveform profiledefines a current, amplitude, duration energy, period/duty-cycle, andshape of the electrical neurostimulus 180, such as sine wave, squarewave, saw tooth wave. H-wave, a positive or a negative going wave etc, afrequency of the electrical neurostimulus 180 and an amplitude of theelectrical neurostimulus 180. In the example of an H-wave waveform asshown in FIG. 1, a positive delivery of energy A for duration C isprovided in concert with a negative delivery of energy B of equal butopposite magnitude for an equal duration C so that the combinationaccounts for a period D.

The variable electrostimulation logic 100, however, changes the profile190A to a different profile 190B upon detecting an anomalouscharacteristic of the proximate contacting of the surface 140. Suchanomalous characteristics include, for instance, a threshold durationfor which the contacting persists, a threshold force by which thecontacting occurs, a threshold impedance measured at the location ofcontacting (indicative of the presence of a skin barrier such as aglove), a particular location of the contacting upon the surface 140, orthe detection of a separate contacting of the surface 140 at a differentlocation while the contacting at the initial location of the surface 140remains. The different profile 190B may be selected according to therules 160 and may each include any combination of a different shape ofthe electrical neurostimulus 180, a different amplitude of the waveform,or a different frequency determined by a different period D′ of acombination of the delivery of positive energy A′ for duration C′counterbalanced by the delivery of negative energy B′ also for theduration C.

In consequence of the foregoing arrangement, the behavior of theindividual directly contacting or by being in close proximity to thetarget object 105 may be modified. Specifically, while the electricalneurostimulus 180 of the first profile 190A may provide a pleasant orunpleasant sensation, such as a sensation of pain or discomfort, througha mild electrostimulative experience, the anomaly causing the change tothe second profile 190B may provide a more intense pleasant orunpleasant electrostimulative experience through an extended duration D′of energy delivery, a greater frequency at which the energy is deliveredor a greater amplitude of current delivered, in particular where theanomaly indicates an additional proximity by the individual, or wherethe anomaly indicates a prolonged period during which the proximitypersists. As well, to the extent that the anomaly indicates the presenceof an insulative layer such as a glove, or excessive moisture therebyinhibiting the intended effect of the electrical neurostimulus 180, thesecond profile 190B is enabled to overcome the insulative layer so as toachieve the desired behavior modification.

The foregoing arrangement is designed to achieve electrostimulativebehavior modification without risking unintended, adverse health riskgiven the limit on current and duration of current delivery coupled withthe counterbalancing delivery of energy within the AC electricalneurostimulus 180.

To illustrate examples of how the waveform and/or other attributes of anelectrical neurostimulus may be changed in a systematic manner, tomodify behavior, consider the stimulus parameters listed in Table 1,below. These values are illustrative, and actual deployed values wouldpotentially depend on the exact formation and implementation of theelectrostimulative surface; the contour and shape of the surface; thespecific portion of anatomy (e.g., finger versus palm of the hand versuspaw); and the contact, coupling, or area of the portion of the anatomythat is in contact with the surface. The example parameters from Table 1could be generated by a system with compliance voltage of, for example,200 Volts, with actual momentary voltages ranging from approximately10-200 Volts, depending on the specifics of what anatomical portion isin contact with the surface, the nature of the skin, the area ofcontact, and so on.

In one embodiment, a design decision is made for the target subject tobe aware that the surface they are touching is conducive in somefashion, and may lead the target subject to take action to remove themfinger or other anatomical unit from the surface they are in contactwith.

A Pulse Repetition Rate of 30 Hz has been found to elicit apsychological response as a warning before the user experiences a tingleor any pain. If the Pulse Repetition Rate is in the range of 30 Hz, thesensation the user experiences is that of a constant sensation, withoutthe benefit of an imbedded warning signalizing characteristic.

TABLE 1 Example Adjustable Electrostimulus Parameters (Square WavePulse). Pulse Maximum Pulse Duration Pulse Example ReportedAmplitude/Current (pulse width) Repetition Sensation (one [milliAmp][millisecond] Rate [Hertz] finger in contact) 5.0 0.20 30 “tingle” 5.01.00 30 “buzz” 5.0 2.00 30 “light zap” 5.0 3.00 30 “strong zap”/“painful” 5.0 4.00 30 “moderately painful” 5.0 5.00 30 “extremelypainful”

Considering the example parameters in Table 1, an example implementationmight include enabling an initial electrostimulation profile thatelicits a “tingle” sensation when one human finger contacts theelectrostimulative surface (pulse duration of 0.20 mS, as depicted inTable 1). If the required behavior is to remove the finger from thesurface, and if that behavior is not detected (i.e., the subjectpersists in touching the surface), then the profile of the stimulus maybe modified, resulting in amore aversive stimulus being delivered viathe surface (e.g., in this illustration, increasing pulse duration to2.00 mS, yielding the more aversive sensation of a “light zap”). If thefinger is removed, the behavioral change requirement will have beensatisfied, and the stimulus profile may be returned to theinitial/baseline profile (pulse duration 0.20 mS, which in thisillustration would elicit the perception of a“tingle” if the initial orany other finger were to contact the electrostimulative surface again).If, however, the finger were not removed, or not removed within thetiming parameters established in the behavior modification rule, thenthe profile of the electrostimulation could, for example, be modifiedagain to be more aversive (e.g., pulse duration of 4.00 mS, or“moderately painful”, in this illustration). Likewise, the profile andwaveform of the electrostimulus may be modified to result in aparticular behavior modification.

Further, the modification of the profile of the electrostimulus mayproceed in either a more or less aversive direction, depending on thebehavior modification requirements. The example of causing a subject toremove a finger (described previously) required a progressively moreaversive electrostimulation. Other behaviors may require a progressivelyless aversive stimulation.

And further, the specific profile or profiles employed may depend on thenature of the subject, the anatomical portion, the detailed behavioralmodification required, and the overall circumstances, among otherthings.

As one example, when designing an electrostimulative behaviormodification system that has the goal of causing an individual torefrain from opening a cookie jar may require somewhat “gentle”parameters; whereas a system intended to cause a person to refrain fromopening a storage box containing dangerous items may, by virtue of thelikely subjects, or the importance of eliciting that behavior due to thedangerousness of the items, for example, may require more aversiveelectrostimuli.

And further, the specific profiles that are used in a sequence to modifybehavior may depend on the same variety of situational variables. Forexample, the profiles used in a cookie jar, for example, might elicit a“tingle” then a “buzz” then a “light zap”; whereas deterring access tomore dangerous items may require a “buzz” immediately followed by an“extremely painful” electrostimulation if the behavior still needs to bemodified.

The process described in connection with FIG. 1 may be implementedwithin a data processing system. In further illustration, FIG. 2schematically shows a data processing system adapted for variableelectrostimulative behavior modification with respect to a target(secured) object 200, according to one embodiment. The system includes ahost computing system that includes a power source 210 powering memory220 and at least one processor 230 along with a persistent data store240. The processor 230 is communicatively coupled both to proximitysensor 280 and AC stimulus generator 260 byway of communications bus250. Both the proximity sensor 280 and the AC stimulus generator 260 arepowered by power source 290. The proximity sensor 280 is directlycoupled to the secured object 200. The AC stimulus generator 260 iscoupled to an array of electrode endpoints including at least one pairor a multiplicity of anode-cathode pairs, disposed on or within asurface of the target object 200. Optionally, each of the anode-cathodepairs is of a rounded shape to avoid sharp corners likely to concentratecurrent during the delivery of an electrical neurostimulus, andprotrudes from the surface of the target object 200 so as to provide forthe delivery of robust electrical neurostimulus to a proximate portionof the anatomy.

In one embodiment, when using a high-voltage system (KEV), the cathodeand anode electrode placement can be modified whereas one of theelectrodes is connected to the ground plane as the other electrode willcross the spark gap and deliver the electrostimulus through the air.

The system includes a variable electrostimulative controller 300executed by the processor 230 in the memory 220. The controller 300includes computer program instructions that, during execution by theprocessor, are enabled to receive from the proximity sensor 280, anindication of threshold proximity of an anatomical portion of theanatomy of a mammal including a human being, such as a digit, to thesurface of the target object 200. In this regard, the thresholdproximity can be a touching of the surface of the target object 200, aclose presence of the anatomical portion to the surface, e.g. almost ornearly touching. In response to the indication of threshold proximity,the program instructions are configured to direct the AC stimulusgenerator 260 to generate an electrical neurostimulus of particularprofile and to deliver the electrical neurostimulus to a specific endpoint in the end-point array 270 nearest to a location of the thresholdproximity.

The program instructions yet further are enabled to detect an anomalouscondition in respect to the threshold proximity of the anatomicalportion, for instance a long duration of the threshold proximity, ameasured impedance at the location of the threshold proximity, ameasured pressure at the location of the threshold proximity, or adetection of an additional anatomical portion of the anatomy at adifferent location on the surface of the target object 200. As such, theprogram instructions are enabled to respond to the detection of theanomalous condition by locating in a table in the data store 240, anassociated profile for an electrical neurostimulus and to direct the ACstimulus generator 260 to generate the electrical neurostimulus inaccordance with the associated profile in place of the electricalneurostimulus of the particular profile presented in response to theinitial detection of the threshold proximity.

In even yet further illustration of the operation of the variableelectrostimulative controller 300, FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chartillustrating a process for variable electrostimulative behaviormodification, according to one embodiment. Beginning in block 310, thecontroller monitors the output of a proximity sensor and in decisionblock 320, it is determined whether a threshold proximity of a surfaceof the target object has occurred. For example, the proximity sensor maysense a touching or near touching of the surface, or a thresholdmovement of the surface, to name two possibilities. If not, then thecontroller continues to monitor the output of the proximity sensor. Indecision block 320, upon detecting a threshold proximity, in block 330,a location of the threshold touching upon the surface of the targetobject is sensed and in block 340, a primary electrical neurostimulus isgenerated according to a first waveform profile including a particularshape, frequency and amplitude, and the electrical neurostimulus isdelivered to a specific end points; a larger set of endpoints, ageneralized area of multiple endpoints or multiple locations which forma larger array of neurostimulus endpoints on the surface of the targetobject nearest the sensed threshold proximity.

Optionally, in decision block 350, it is determined whether thethreshold of proximity persists. If not, then in block 390 thecontroller discontinues delivery of the electrical neurostimulus at thedetermined location and the process returns to a state of monitoring theproximity sensor in block 310. If it is determined at decision block 350that the threshold touching persists, then in decision block 360 it isfurther determined whether an anomalous condition exists as to thethreshold touching. If yes, then in block 370 an electricalneurostimulus generation rule is matched to the determined anomalouscondition and in block 380, a secondary electrical neurostimulus isgenerated according to new waveform profile implicated by the matchedrule so that the secondary electrical neurostimulus has a profile thatis different from the primary electrical neurostimulus. Thereafter, theprocess returns to decision block 350.

The present disclosure may be embodied within a system, a method, acomputer program product or any combination thereof. The computerprogram product may include a computer readable storage medium or mediahaving computer readable program instructions thereon for causing aprocessor to carry out aspects of the present disclosure. The computerreadable storage medium can be a tangible device that can retain andstore instructions for use by an instruction execution device. Thecomputer readable storage medium may be, for example, but is not limitedto, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an opticalstorage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductorstorage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can bedownloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computerreadable storage medium or to an external computer or external storagedevice via a network. The computer readable program instructions mayexecute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer,as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer andpartly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer orserver.

Aspects of the present disclosure are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of thedisclosure. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer readable program instructions.

These computer readable program instructions may be provided to aprocessor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, orother programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, suchthat the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computeror other programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

These computer readable program instructions may also be stored in acomputer readable storage medium that can direct a computer, aprogrammable data processing apparatus, and/or other devices to functionin a particular manner, such that the computer readable storage mediumhaving instructions stored therein includes an article of manufactureincluding instructions which implement aspects of the function/actspecified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto acomputer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other deviceto cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer,other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computerimplemented process, such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof instructions, which includes one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of theorder noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in successionmay, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks maysometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon thefunctionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of theblock diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocksin the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implementedby special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specifiedfunctions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardwareand computer instructions.

Finally, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describingparticular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of thedisclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” areintended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise. Furthermore, the terms “includes” and/or“including,” when used in this specification, specify the presence ofstated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/orcomponents, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or moreother features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components,and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended toinclude any structure, material, or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Thedescription of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the disclosure in the form described. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Theembodiment was chosen and described in order to explain the principlesof the disclosure and the practical application, and to enable others ofordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure for variousembodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particularuse contemplated.

Although this disclosure has been described in connection with specificforms and embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that variousmodifications other than those discussed above may be resorted towithout departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure as definedin the claims. For example, functionally equivalent elements may besubstituted for those specifically shown and described, certain featuresmay be used independently of other features, and in certain cases,particular locations of the elements may be reversed or interposed, allwithout departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure as definedin the claims.

We claim: 1: A data processing system adapted for variableelectrostimulative behavior modification, the system comprising: anobject; an energy source; a power source coupled to the energy source; asensor in communication with the object, the sensor configured to detectplacement of a first anatomical portion of a body in proximity to asurface of the object; a plurality of electrostimulative end pointscoupled to the energy source and the surface of the object; and, acontroller connected to the sensor and the plurality ofelectrostimulative end points, the controller comprising a processor,memory and computer program instructions stored in the memory, thecontroller configured to: receive data from the sensor, the dataincluding the detected placement of the first anatomical portion of thebody in proximity to the surface of the object, instruct the energysource to deliver, based on the received data, a first electricalneurostimulus to at least one of the plurality of electrostimulative endpoints, wherein the first electrical neurostimulus is defined by a firstwaveform; determine, based on the received data, the presence of ananomalous characteristic; and, based on the determination of thepresence of the anomalous characteristic, instruct the energy source todeliver a second electrical neurostimulus to at least the oneelectrostimulative end point, wherein the second electricalneurostimulus is defined by a second waveform, and the second waveformis different from the first waveform. 2: The data processing systemadapted for variable electrostimulative behavior modification accordingto claim 1, wherein the at least one of the plurality ofelectrostimulative end points is an electrostimulative end point nearestthe detected placement of the first anatomical portion in proximity tothe surface of the object. 3: The data processing system adapted forvariable electrostimulative behavior modification according to claim 1,wherein a profile of the second waveform produces an enhanced electricalneurostimulus relative to the electrical neurostimulus produced by thefirst waveform. 4: The data processing system adapted for variableelectrostimulative behavior modification according to claim 1, whereinthe second electrical neurostimulus is delivered for a predeterminedperiod. 5: The data processing system adapted for variableelectrostimulative behavior modification according to claim 1, whereinthe anomalous characteristic indicates an inadequacy of the deliveredfirst electrical neurostimulus in achieving a desired behaviormodification. 6: The data processing system adapted for variableelectrostimulative behavior modification according to claim 1, whereinthe second waveform is configured to increase or decrease the deliveredelectrical neurostimulus defined by the first waveform. 7: The dataprocessing system adapted for variable electrostimulative behaviormodification according to claim 1, wherein the energy source is a sourceof stored or controlled energy delivered to the electrostimulative endpoints as a combination of waveform, current and compliance voltage. 8:The data processing system adapted for variable electrostimulativebehavior modification according to claim 1, wherein the system isconfigured to discontinue the delivery of the electrical neurostimulusthrough one of the end points subsequent to determining removal of thefirst anatomical portion from the proximity of the surface. 9: The dataprocessing system adapted for variable electrostimulative behaviormodification according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configuredto instruct the energy source to deliver a third electricalneurostimulus to at least the one electrostimulative end point, whereinthe third electrical neurostimulus is defined by a third waveform, andthe third waveform is different from the first and second waveform. 10:The data processing system adapted for variable electrostimulativebehavior modification according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is atouch sensor disposed on the surface of the object, the touch sensor isconfigured to detect a proximity or contact to the surface of theportion of the anatomy of the target subject, and the touch sensor doesnot require direct contact with the anatomy of the target subject. 11:The data processing system adapted for variable electrostimulativebehavior modification according to claim 1, wherein the sensor isconfigured to detect a galvanic skin response of the first anatomicalportion to determine the location, resistance, and waveform of the firstelectrical neurostimulus to be delivered. 12: The data processing systemadapted for variable electrostimulative behavior modification accordingto claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to instruct theelectrical source to deliver the first electrical neurostimulus to theat least one of the plurality of electrostimulative end points withoutthe first anatomical portion making direct contact with the object, andthe first electrical neurostimulus is propagated using a high voltagedischarge system. 13: The data processing system adapted for variableelectrostimulative behavior modification according to claim 1, whereinthe system comprises authentication electronics for determining whetherthe user is authorized to access the object. 14: The data processingsystem adapted for variable electrostimulative behavior modificationaccording to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality ofelectrostimulative end points is separated from one another by adistance determined by a combination of the dielectric breakdown voltageof the substrate material, the average dielectric breaks down voltage ofair, the operating compliance voltage and the target charge density toensure the desired effect of the stimulus waveform. 15: The dataprocessing system adapted for variable electrostimulative behaviormodification according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality ofelectrostimulative end points is separated from one another by at least2.0 mm. 16: The data processing system adapted for variableelectrostimulative behavior modification according to claim 1, whereineach of the plurality of electrostimulative end points is separated fromone another by a distance preventing flow of the first electricalneurostimulus so deeply into the first anatomical portion so as toactivate undesired biological structures. 17: The data processing systemadapted for variable electrostimulative behavior modification accordingto claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of electrostimulative endpoints includes a cathode and anode separated by an insulator by atleast 1.0 mm. 18: The data processing system adapted for variableelectrostimulative behavior modification according to claim 1, whereineach of the plurality of electrostimulative end points includes acathode and anode separated by an insulator by a distance that generatesan electric field that stimulates mechanoreceptors laying 1.0 mm to 3.0mm from the first anatomical portion while avoiding stimulating smallernociceptors that lay superficial to the mechanoreceptors. 19: The dataprocessing system adapted for variable electrostimulative behaviormodification according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configuredto measure realtime environmental conditions and instruct the energysource to deliver the first electrical neurostimulus based on themeasured realtime environmental conditions. 20: The data processingsystem adapted for variable electrostimulative behavior modificationaccording to claim 1, wherein the maximum waveform delivered is 5 mAsignal of 0.2 seconds duration and 25 pulses per second.